Smart monitoring unit apparatus for real-time monitoring and active management of upstream and downstream pressure and flow, incorporating self-cleaning and plug-and-play maintenance

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a fluid control apparatus comprising real-time monitoring and active management of upstream and downstream pressure and flow, incorporating self-cleaning and plug-and-play maintenance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/446,414, filed on Jan. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a fluid control apparatus comprising real-time monitoring and active management of upstream and downstream pressure and flow, incorporating self-cleaning and plug-and-play maintenance, whereby said apparatus is herein referred to as a Smart Monitoring Unit or “SMU” for short.

BACKGROUND ART

By way of example, without limitation to other fluids and applications, the background art is described herein as it relates to potable water use in residential applications.

Water in municipal water systems is maintained at positive pressure in an effort to ensure adequate water flow availability at all points of the water network at all times.

Water to residential sites may be delivered by the municipal water system by a service line branch for each particular site.

The pressure at the water service line feeding into a residential site may exceed the home's safe operating pressure.

Excess pressure may damage the site's internal plumbing, water fixtures (toilets, shower heads, sinks, etc.), and water appliances (refrigerator ice makers and water dispensers, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.).

Excess pressure may possibly void water fixture and appliance product warranties.

Damage to internal plumbing, water fixtures, and water appliances from excess pressure may result in operating failures which may lead to water leaks.

These water leaks may cause water damage.

Water damage may be devastating to the home owner. Water damage may negatively impact the site structure, furnishings, health fitness for occupancy, and may require costly repair and remediation.

Water damage may or may not be covered by homeowner's insurance, may negatively affect homeowner's insurance rates, and may result in the temporary or permanent loss of insurance coverage, or ability to change insurance providers.

Leaks may also result in substantial water loss and concomitant expenses.

To reduce the municipal water supply pressure at the service line to a safe operating pressure into the home, passive pressure reducing devices, referred to hereinafter as “passive reducers”, may be used.

Although they may be required by local building codes, passive reducers are part of a property's private water system As such, the responsibility for their installation and maintenance rests with the property owner.

Because of the complexity and risks associated with installing a passive reducer, the property owner may hire a licensed plumbing professional to perform the installation and make the necessary adjustments to the downstream pressure setting to be in accordance with the home's required minimum and maximum water pressure operating range.

An installer may attach a pressure gauge to a hose bibcock downstream of the passive reducer in order to manually set the correct downstream pressure. If a hose bibcock is not available to verify the pressure setting, or if the installer does not have a pressure gauge, the installer may manually set the downstream pressure based on an estimate, or may leave the downstream pressure to the stated factory default setting.

Under normal passive reducer operation, due to fluctuations in the municipal water system's supply and demand, passive reducers may give way throughout the day to fluctuating downstream pressures which may exceed the safe operating limits.

Under normal passive reducer operation, a site may experience pressure buildup in the plumbing system leading to an increase in downstream pressure which may exceed the safe operating limits.

In the event downstream pressure exceeds site operating levels the site owner may not become aware of such an unsafe operating condition and the enhanced risk exposure to potential consequential damages.

To sustain proper operation passive reducers may require complicated maintenance at regular intervals though the site owner may be unaware of this requirement.

If the proper maintenance is not performed regularly, the passive reducer's internal filter may get clogged, and scale, minerals, and particulates may accumulate on the passive reducer's internals, preventing correct operation, all of which may result in a failure and unsafe operating downstream pressure.

Periodic maintenance of the passive reducer may be complex and require manual disassembly, cleaning or replacing the internal components; and reassembly.

The first step in performing maintenance would be to manually shut off the upstream water supply.

If there is no manual shut-off valve directly upstream of the passive reducer, then the water must be manually shut off at the main water shut-off valve, which may be located directly at the service line located at the street curb. The service line shut-off valve may be difficult to access, as well as difficult to operate, especially if it has not been operated recently.

Once the water supply has been manually shut off, the internal plumbing system must be drained. To do this, a number of downstream faucets may need to be manually turned on. This internal drainage may release scale, particulates, or other impurities into the plumbing system, which may feed into and further foul the passive reducer's internals.

The passive reducer must then be manually disassembled in order to expose and remove the device internals. During disassembly any water remaining in the internal plumbing system may be released and may need to be contained to avoid water damage.

Damaged passive reducer internal parts may need to be replaced. Internal parts in good operating condition may be gently cleaned by hand with soap and water. Care should be taken to ensure that grease or other contaminants are not introduced during cleaning, as this may affect the proper operation. Once the cleaning and/or parts replacement is complete, the passive reducer must then be manually reassembled.

Once manually reassembled, the main water supply must be manually opened slowly. Opening the valve too fast may result in a pressure wave which may damage the home's internal plumbing system as well as water fixtures and appliances.

Once the water supply is fully open, the downstream pressure must be manually reset to the correct safe operating pressure setting.

Due to the time, expense, and potential pitfalls associated with manually disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling, an installer may opt to replace the entire passive reducer.

The steps to replace a passive reducer are similar to the maintenance steps.

The first step would be to manually shut off the upstream water supply.

If there is no manual shut-off valve directly upstream of the passive reducer, then the water must be manually shut off at the main water shut-off valve, which may be located directly at the service line located at the street curb. The service line shut-off valve may be difficult to access, as well as difficult to operate, especially if it has not been operated recently.

Once the water supply has been manually shut off, the internal plumbing system must be drained. To do this, a number of faucets may need to be manually turned on.

The defective passive reducer must then be manually removed. During removal any water remaining in the internal plumbing system may be released and may need to contained to avoid water damage.

Once the defective passive reducer is removed, a new passive reducer may be manually installed. If the new device is distinct than the old device, laborious and costly modifications to the plumbing system may be required.

Once the new passive reducer is installed, the main water supply must be manually opened slowly. Opening the valve too fast may result in a pressure wave which may damage the home's internal plumbing system as well as water fixtures and appliances.

Once the water supply is fully open, the downstream pressure must be manually reset to the correct safe operating pressure setting.

SUMMARY

In summary, water supplied by the municipal water system may exceed a residential site's safe operating pressure which may result in significant damage and water loss, Passive reducers may be used to bring down the service water supply to a safe operating pressure. Under normal passive reducer operation, the downstream pressure may still exceed safe operating pressure. Since these passive reducers may fail to operate properly within the first year of installation leading to unsafe operating pressures, the manufacturer may require annual maintenance, Site owners may not know when downstream pressure has exceeded safe operating conditions or when the passive reducer has failed or is in need of maintenance. Since maintenance of the passive reducer involves significant labor costs, multiple replacement parts, and a risk of improper servicing, a defective passive reducer may be replaced in its entirety, Replacement of a passive reducer may be as costly and complex as service maintenance. A properly maintained passive reducer or a new replacement may be prone to the same operating and maintenance issues as the original device, Thus passive reducers may not be effective at maintaining pressure at a safe operating level and may require an unrealistic level and frequency of maintenance beyond the capabilities of many site owners. These passive reducers are therefore unreliable and may result in costly damages.

Provided herein is a fluid control apparatus comprising real-time monitoring and active flow management of upstream and downstream pressure and flow, incorporating self-cleaning and plug-and-play maintenance that overcomes the many drawbacks of passive reducers.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus integrates a flow meter, an upstream shut-off valve, an upstream pressure sensor, a pressure management device, a downstream pressure sensor, a drain, purge, and flush valve, a downstream shut-off valve, a data receiving device, a data storage device, a computing device, and a communication device.

In another embodiment, the data receiving device, the data storage device, the computing device, and the communication device are integrated into a single control device.

In some embodiments, the control device is set to actively maintain and adjust the apparatus downstream pressure within a set operating band under flow conditions.

In some embodiments, the control device is set to actively maintain and adjust the apparatus downstream pressure within a set operating band under no-flow conditions.

In some embodiments, the upstream shut-off valve is electro-mechanically actuated by the control device.

In some embodiments, the downstream shut-off valve is electro-mechanically actuated by the control device.

In some embodiments, the upstream and downstream shut-off valves is controlled to open and close slowly.

In another embodiment, the pressure management device is contained within a pressure management cartridge.

In such an embodiment, the cartridge fits inside a receptacle, which is a permanent component of the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the pressure management cartridge is replaceable and disposable.

In some embodiments, the pressure management cartridge includes a pressure reduction valve which sets the apparatus downstream pressure based on continuously monitored flow conditions.

In some embodiments, the cartridge has a guide pin which fits in a slot in the receptacle and guides the cartridge into place.

In another embodiment, the receptacle has a sensor which senses when the cartridge has been inserted correctly.

In some embodiments, when the sensor indicates that the cartridge is inserted correctly, a locking mechanism then secures the cartridge in place.

In another embodiment, both the receptacle and cartridge have upstream and downstream seals so that the cartridge is able to hold pressure when the cartridge is locked in place.

In some embodiments, the receptacle includes an electro-mechanical actuator which mates with the cartridge gear.

In such an embodiment, the electro-mechanical actuator rotates the cartridge gear until a downstream pressure, set by the control device, is achieved.

In some embodiments, the pressure management cartridge includes upstream and downstream filters to reduce fouling of the cartridge internals.

In some embodiments, the apparatus performs self-cleaning operations to reduce fouling of the cartridge internals.

In some embodiments, the apparatus performs self-cleaning operations to reduce fouling of the electro-mechanical valves.

In another embodiment, the apparatus opens the drain, purge, and flush valve to purge the plumbing system to maintain a safe downstream pressure under no-flow conditions.

In another embodiment, the apparatus actively compensates for the pressure drop through the pressure management cartridge in high-flow conditions.

In some embodiments, the control device determines that the pressure management cartridge is degraded but functional, and indicates cartridge replacement is recommended.

In another embodiment, the control device determines that the pressure management cartridge has degraded beyond safe operation and must be replaced, and closes the upstream and downstream shut-off valves to prevent damage to downstream components.

In such an embodiment, the control device opens the drain, purge, and flush valve to drain and depressurize the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the control device determines that the apparatus has been depressurized and unlocks the pressure management cartridge, so that the cartridge can be replaced.

In such an embodiment, once the cartridge has been replaced, the control device closes the drain, purge, and flush valve.

In such an embodiment, once the drain, purge, and flush valve has been closed, the control device opens the upstream and downstream shut-off valves.

In such an embodiment, once the upstream and downstream shut-off valves have been opened, the newly inserted cartridge is returned to the previously established safe operating pressure.

In some embodiments, in case of loss of electrical power, the upstream and downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valves will remain open, and the electro-mechanical drain valve will remain closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a preferred SMU installation.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU,

FIG. 3 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU pressure management unit receptacle.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU pressure management unit cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein It may be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative example of a preferred SMU installation, A main liquid source manual shut-off valve is 101. A manual shut-off valve upstream of the SMU is 102. The SMU is 103. A manual shut-off valve downstream of the SMU is 104. A hose bibcock is 105. The downstream liquid supply line is 106.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU 103, The SMU 103 upstream connector 201 attaches to the unregulated upstream liquid source, An upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve is 202. A flow sensor is 203. An upstream pressure sensor is 204. A pressure management cartridge receptacle is 205. A pressure management cartridge is 206. The receptacle 205 is integral to the SMU 103, while the cartridge 206 is removable and designed to be easily installed and replaced. A downstream pressure sensor is 207. A combination drain, purge, and flush valve is 208. A downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve is 209. The SMU 103 downstream connector 210 attaches to the downstream liquid flow line. A data receiving device, a data storage device, a computing device, and a communication device are integrated into a single device, hereinafter referred to as the SMU control device 211, which is plugged into a power supply using power plug 212. The upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202, flow sensor 203, upstream pressure sensor 204, pressure management cartridge receptacle 205, downstream pressure sensor 207, combination drain, purge, and flush valve 208, and downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 are all connected to the control device 211.

FIG. 3 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU pressure management unit receptacle. The receptacle inlet is 301. The receptacle side inlet seal is 302. The receptacle side outlet seal is 303. The receptacle outlet is 304. The cartridge guide slot is 305. An electro-mechanical cartridge lock is 306. A cartridge locking sensor is 307. An electro-mechanical actuator is 308.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative example of an embodiment of the SMU pressure management unit cartridge, A cartridge inlet seal is 401. A cartridge inlet filter is 402. A cartridge outlet filter is 403. A cartridge outlet seal is 404. A cartridge locking pin is 405. A cartridge pressure reduction valve is 406. A cartridge gear is 407.

In a preferred embodiment, the SMU 103 has four operating modes: installation mode, calibration mode, monitoring and active management mode, and cartridge replacement mode.

The first step in SMU 103 installation is to manually shut off the main liquid source shut-off valve 101.

Once a preferred installation is complete, the control device 211 is powered on and enters installation mode.

The downstream pressure set point range may then be input into the control device 211.

In installation mode, the upstream shut-off valve 202, the downstream shut-off valves 209, and the drain, purge, and flush valve 208 are closed by the control device 211.

The pressure regulating cartridge 206 is then inserted into the pressure regulating cartridge receptacle 205 by aligning the cartridge locking pin 405 and the receptacle guide slot 305, and pushing down and rotating until the cartridge locking pin 405 snaps into the cartridge lock 306. The sensor 307 indicates to the control device 211 that the cartridge 206 is inserted correctly.

When the control device 211 determines that the cartridge 206 is inserted correctly into the receptacle 205, the control device 211 will engage the cartridge lock 306.

When the cartridge 206 is locked into the receptacle 205, the cartridge gear 407 mates with the electro-mechanical actuator 308, The control device 211 may control the cartridge pressure reduction valve 406 downstream pressure by moving the electro-mechanical actuator 308. The cartridge 206 initial downstream pressure will be set by the electro-mechanical actuator 308 based on pre-calibrated values.

The main liquid source shut-off valve 101 may now be manually opened. The upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 are opened by the control device 211, pressurizing the SMU 103. The control device 211 will control the speed of the opening and closing of the upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and of the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 so as not to produce pressure waves which may damage downstream fixtures and appliances.

The SMU 103 then enters calibration mode. The control device 211 will calibrate under static pressure conditions by adjusting the electro-mechanical actuator 308 until the cartridge 206 downstream pressure is within the set point range.

A downstream liquid fixture is manually opened. The control device 211 will then calibrate under dynamic pressure conditions by adjusting the electro-mechanical actuator 308 until the cartridge 206 downstream pressure is within the set point range.

The calibrated setting for electro-mechanical actuator 308 corresponding to the desired downstream pressure set point may be stored by the control device 211, and the electro-mechanical actuator 308 may return to that set point when the pressure management cartridge 206 is replaced for maintenance.

The control device 211 then enters monitoring and active management mode. In this mode, the SMU 103 may dynamically adjust the downstream pressure based on changes in the upstream pressure using the electromechanical actuator 308 to maintain downstream pressure within the set point range.

If the control device 211 determines that the pressure management cartridge 206 downstream pressure exceeds the safe operating pressure range during no-flow conditions, the control device 211 may open the purge valve 208 momentarily to relieve the pressure.

If the pressure management cartridge 206 downstream pressure falls below the low end of the set point range during flow conditions, the control device 211 may adjust for dynamic pressure losses by increasing the pressure management cartridge 206 downstream pressure.

To prevent the SMU 103 components from fouling, the control device 211 may perform self-cleaning operations at set time intervals by cycling the flow back and forth across the pressure management cartridge 206 through the use of the upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202, the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209, and the drain, purge, and flush valve 208.

The control device 211 may determine if the pressure management cartridge 206 performance is degrading but functional, and may indicate that cartridge 206 replacement is recommended.

The control device 211 may determine if the pressure management cartridge 206 has degraded beyond safe operation and must be replaced. In this case, the control device 211 may close the upstream electro-mechanical valve 202 and the downstream electro-mechanical valve 209. The control device 211 then enters cartridge replacement mode.

In cartridge replacement mode, the control device 211 may open the drain valve 208 to drain the SMU 103.

Once the SMU 103 has been drained, the system is no longer pressurized and the cartridge lock 306 may be electro-mechanically unlocked by the control device 211. The pressure reducing cartridge 206 may then be removed by first rotating then lifting the cartridge 206 out of the receptacle 205.

The replacement pressure regulating cartridge 206 is then inserted into the pressure regulating cartridge receptacle 205 by aligning the cartridge locking pin 405 and the receptacle guide slot 305, and pushing down and rotating until the cartridge locking pin 405 snaps into the cartridge lock 306. The sensor 307 indicates to the control device 211 that the cartridge 206 is inserted correctly.

When the control device 211 determines that the cartridge 206 is inserted correctly into the receptacle 205, the control device 211 will engage the cartridge lock 306.

The electro-mechanical actuator 308 may now return the pressure management cartridge 206 downstream pressure to the previous set point. The upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 are opened by the control device 211, pressurizing the SMU 103. The control device 211 will control the speed of the opening and closing of the upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and of the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 so as not to produce pressure waves which may damage downstream fixtures and appliances.

The control device 211 again enters monitoring and active management mode.

In the event of power loss, the upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209 remain open, and the drain, purge, and flush valve 208 remains closed, and the SMU 103 performs as a passive reducer.

The SMU 103 described herein by way of the exemplary embodiments may provide important benefits and advantages overcoming the many drawbacks of passive reducers.

A passive reducer may not maintain a safe downstream pressure under normal operating conditions, which may lead to damage and potential failure of the internal plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances, and consequential leaks. The SMU 103 may prevent damage to the internal plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances, and may extend the useful life thereof, thus preventing leaks and the concomitant property damage, by actively monitoring and adjusting said downstream pressure within a safe operating band during normal flow conditions.

A passive reducer may not adjust for increased downstream pressure above safe operating limits under no-flow conditions, which may lead to damage and potential failure of the internal plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances, and consequential leaks. The SMU 103 may reduce unsafe downstream pressure build-up under no-flow conditions by monitoring for and releasing any accumulated excess pressure above safe operating limits.

A passive reducer may not adjust for dynamic pressure losses under flow conditions. The SMU 103 may compensate for dynamic pressure losses by monitoring for dynamic pressure losses and adjusting the downstream pressure upward to within the established set point range.

A passive reducer may be subject to fouling and require an unrealistic level and frequency of maintenance to ensure proper operating conditions. The SMU 103 may perform self-cleaning maintenance to prevent fouling of the pressure management cartridge 206 and other components to both ensure proper operation and to reduce the frequency of required maintenance.

A passive reducer's operating performance may degrade without notice. The SMU 103 may monitor operating performance and in the event performance is determined to have degraded but remains functional then proactively indicate that pressure management cartridge 206 replacement is recommended.

A passive reducer may fail without notice, which may lead to damage and potential failure of the internal plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances, and consequential leaks. The SMU 103 may monitor and determine when the pressure management cartridge 206 has degraded beyond safe operation to require replacement, and may shut off the liquid flow to prevent damage to and extend the life of downstream components, and prevent the occurrence of leaks.

A passive reducer may require expensive maintenance and/or replacement to maintain safe operating conditions. The SMU 103 may reduce the cost to maintain safe operating conditions. The pressure management cartridge 206 provides inexpensive, plug-and-play maintenance, and may not require the services of a licensed plumbing professional reducing the cost of both maintenance parts and labor.

Maintenance of a passive reducer may introduce operating performance risk into the plumbing system during the required disassembly, cleaning and/or replacing internal components, and reassembly maintenance process. A passive reducer's internal components may need to be cleaned carefully to ensure that dirt, sand, grease, or other contaminants do not compromise the ability of the passive reducer to operate properly. A passive reducer may have numerous internal components that may need to be dissembled and reassembled and thus be prone to incorrect installation. Upon completion of the maintenance process the downstream pressure settings must be manually set and may be subject to error. The SMU 103 may avoid introducing potential contaminants, incorrect assembly during maintenance, and incorrect downstream pressure setting. The SMU 103 maintenance may utilize a plug-and-play standard replacement cartridge and upon self-verification of correct insertion, may self-adjust to previously established safe operating pressure set points.

A passive reducer may also introduce risk to the plumbing system in the event replacement is opted instead of performing required periodic maintenance. If the same model passive reducer is not available, the replacement may have different dimensions, and may require the services of a licensed plumbing professional for modifications to the plumbing system. Upon completion of the replacement process the downstream pressure settings must be manually set and may be subject to error. Because the pressure management cartridge 206 provides inexpensive, plug-and-play maintenance, the economic incentives for replacement of the installed SMU 103 may be removed in their totality.

In both passive reducer maintenance and replacement, draining the liquid line downstream of the reducer a large amount of released liquid may need to be collected to avoid water damage. The SMU 103 may minimize liquid release during maintenance. As part of the maintenance process, the SMU 103 may shut off upstream and downstream valves to avoid draining the downstream plumbing system and may release only the small volume of liquid contained within the SMU 103.

In both passive reducer maintenance and replacement, draining the liquid line downstream of the reducer may release scale and particulates into the plumbing system which may foul the newly-cleaned or newly-replaced passive reducer. The SMU 103 may avoid releasing scale and particulates. As part of the maintenance process, the SMU 103 may shut off upstream and downstream valves to avoid draining the downstream plumbing system and associated release of potentially fouling particulates.

In both passive reducer maintenance and replacement, once the passive reducer has been cleaned or replaced, any manual shut-off valves that were closed for the maintenance have to be opened slowly to avoid potential damage to downstream components resulting from pressure waves. The SMU 103 maintenance process may reduce the potential damage to downstream components resulting from pressure waves by controlling the slow opening and closing of the upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 202 and of the downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve 209.

A passive reducer may require permitting and inspection when maintenance or replacement is needed. The SMU 103 may reduce the cost of permitting and inspections. The pressure management cartridge 206 provides inexpensive, plug-and-play maintenance, and may not require may not require any permit and inspection.

In summary, as set forth in the background art and detailed description by way of the exemplary embodiments, the SMU 103 described herein may provide important benefits and advantages overcoming the many drawbacks of passive reducers.

While the exemplary embodiments of the methods described herein utilizes water as the liquid source to illustrate the uniqueness and advantages of the method for the purpose of stopping water leaks and minimizing water damage in residential and commercial sites where most of the plumbing is internal and not readily accessible, the scope of the methods, together with its uniqueness and advantages, applies to any aqueous source stream (e.g., oil, fuel) and is not limited to residential or commercial sites.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed embodiments as defined by the appended claims. It should be understood that the various embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the embodiments, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the disclosed embodiments. The disclosure is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described. They instead can be applied alone, or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described, and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known”, and terms of similar meaning, should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period, or to an item available as of a given time. But instead these terms should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available, known now, or at any time in the future. Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements, or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to”, or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. 

1. A fluid control apparatus for real-time monitoring and active management of upstream and downstream pressure and flow, incorporating self-cleaning and plug-and-play maintenance, the apparatus comprising: an upstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve; a flow sensor; an upstream pressure sensor; a pressure management device; a downstream pressure sensor; an electro-mechanical drain, pressure relief, and flush valve; a downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valve; a data receiving device; a data storage device; a computing device; and a communication device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data receiving device, the data storage device, the computing device, and the communication device are integrated into a single control device.
 3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the control device is set to actively maintain and adjust the apparatus downstream pressure within a set operating band under flow conditions.
 4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the control device is set to actively maintain and adjust the apparatus downstream pressure within a set operating hand under no-flow conditions;
 5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the upstream shut-off valve is electro-mechanically actuated by the control device.
 6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the downstream shut-off valve is electro-mechanically actuated by the control device.
 7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the upstream and downstream shut-off valves are controlled to open slowly.
 8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the upstream and downstream shut-off valves are controlled to close slowly.
 9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the pressure management device is contained within a pressure management cartridge.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the pressure management cartridge fits inside a receptacle, which is a permanent component of the apparatus.
 11. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-10, wherein the pressure management cartridge is replaceable.
 12. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the pressure management cartridge is disposable.
 13. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-12, wherein the pressure management cartridge includes a pressure reduction valve which sets the apparatus downstream pressure based on continuously monitored flow conditions.
 14. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-13, wherein the pressure management cartridge has a guide pin which fits in a slot in the receptacle to guide the cartridge into place.
 15. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-14, wherein the receptacle has a sensor which senses when the pressure management cartridge has been inserted correctly.
 16. The apparatus in claim 15, wherein a locking mechanism secures the pressure management cartridge in place when the sensor indicates that the pressure management cartridge is inserted correctly.
 17. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-16, wherein both the receptacle and pressure management cartridge have upstream and downstream seals so that the pressure management cartridge is able to hold pressure when locked in place.
 18. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-17, wherein the pressure management device is controlled by a mechanical gear within the pressure management cartridge.
 19. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-18, wherein the receptacle includes an electro-mechanical actuator which mates with the pressure management cartridge gear.
 20. The apparatus in claim 19, wherein the electro-mechanical actuator rotates the cartridge gear to a downstream pressure set by the control device.
 21. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-20, wherein the pressure management cartridge includes upstream and downstream filters to reduce fouling of the cartridge internals.
 22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the apparatus performs self-cleaning operations to reduce fouling of the cartridge internals.
 23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the apparatus performs self-cleaning operations to reduce fouling of the electro-mechanical valves.
 24. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the apparatus purges to maintain downstream pressure under no-flow conditions by cycling the drain, purge, and flush valve.
 25. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the apparatus actively compensates for downstream pressure drop in high-flow conditions.
 26. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-25, wherein the control device determines that the pressure management cartridge is degraded but functional.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the control device indicates pressure management cartridge replacement is recommended.
 28. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-27, wherein the control device determines that the pressure management cartridge has degraded beyond safe operation.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the control device indicates pressure management must be replaced.
 30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the control device closes the upstream and downstream shut-off valves.
 31. The apparatus in claim 2-30, wherein the control device opens the drain, purge, and flush valve to drain and depressurize the apparatus.
 32. The apparatus in claim 31, wherein the control device determines that the apparatus has been depressurized.
 33. The apparatus in claim 9-32, wherein the control device unlocks the pressure management cartridge, so that the cartridge can be replaced.
 34. The apparatus of any one of claims 9-33, wherein once the pressure management cartridge has been replaced, the control device closes the drain, purge, and flush valve.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein, the control device opens the upstream and downstream shut-off valves.
 36. The apparatus in claim 35, wherein the newly inserted pressure management cartridge is set to the previously established safe operating pressure.
 37. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-36, wherein in case of loss of electrical power, the upstream and downstream electro-mechanical shut-off valves will remain open, and the electro-mechanical drain valve will remain closed. 